Indianapolis

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Perhaps it’s those Midwestern values, but anywhere you go in Indianapolis you’re likely to find a welcoming and friendly sort around you. Frankly, even the downtown area has a bit of a homey feel. Thanks to the Cultural Trail, you’re likely to see smiling folks on bikes. The CityMarket runs one of the only farmer’s markets we’ve ever seen which is as well populated by men in suit and ties as is it by the jeans and flip flop set. Little up and coming neighborhoods like Fletcher Place might just charm you into staying. And just when you thought you knew what was on MassAve., meander down a few more blocks and you’ll find cutting edge theater, and even more great little shops and watering holes. If you want a little nature with your city, Indianapolis is your town. Between the Monon Trailurban greenway and the IMA’s Virginia B. Fairbanks 100 Acre Art andNature Park in the heart of town, you’ll never want to leave.

Hey there! We’re in the midst of a massive update for our Indy city guide! Good things to come soon…

Fountain Square

D=Do; S=Shop; E=Eat/Drink

Tube Factory Artspace is run by the visionary folks of Big Car Collaborative. Opening its doors as a “public place for culture, community and creativity,” you’ll find a whole host of activities buzzing here. Keep your eyes peeled for frequent art exhibitions, readings, and events. 1125 Cruft St. in Garfield Park(D)

General Public Collective This gallery is everything you love about Indy–a place that allows artists to have a voice and platform to do their thang. “GPC is an artist-run gallery, project space and concept shop dedicated to the sharing of ideas through exhibitions, performances and original works of art.” Help them find a new space to be awesome. More on that here.1060 Virginia Ave.(D)

Square Cat Vinyl1054 Virginia Ave.(S)

The Hi-Fi This Fountain Square music venue is aptly named. The sound is rumored to be best in town. Besides, what’s better than seeing one of your favorite musicians for an intimate gig? 1043 Virginia Ave. Suite 4 (D)

iMOCA Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art newly opened the CityWay gallery at the Alexander. How sweet it is to ride your bike on the Cultural Trail between iMOCA’s two galleries! Check out the art installations throughout the Alexander Hotel at 333 S. Delaware St. iMOCA in Fountain Square1043 Virginia Ave. Suite 5. (D)

Heartland Film Festival Not many cities can boast a film festival organization of this stature. The Heartland Film Festival’s winning short film each year is qualified as a nominee for an Academy Award. Take advantage of Heartland Film’sproximity and enjoy short film screenings every First Friday. The Heartland Film Institute offers workshops, competitions and seminars to inspire young filmmakers. Don’t miss Heartland’s mini-festival, Summer Rewind, at the end of June, or the big shebang in October–10 days of red carpets, visiting independent filmmakers, over 130 movies, and parties galore. 1043 Virginia Ave. (D)

Wildwood Market Groceries and Provisions Lattice and Lard pies, Smoking Goose meats and all the delectable local goods and produce you are hankering for. Pick up some veggie inspiration for your dinner tonight while grabbing a market sandwich and fresh air on the picnic benches. 1015 Virginia Ave. (S)

Siam Square Get your Drunken Noodle fix at this popular Thai spot. Their curries are spot on too. 936 Virginia Ave. (E)

New Day CraftBreakfast Magpie, their black raspberry mead infused with B Java Espresso, alone is worth the trip. Trust New Day Craftto drive away the winter doldrums with live music, chair massages, yoga, psychic readings, and Sunday School classes like printmaking and macrame all while imbibing your preferred modern craft mead or cider. Make sure to make it out for the monthly series, Scripted, to hear new works by local playwrights. 1102 Prospect St. (D)

Marrow Chef John Adams’ global soul food will make you feel well-traveled and deeply in love with the Indy food scene all at once. Relax with a Miso Mule as you watch the night crowd roll by. The Shells andPaneer, Catfish Meuniere, and Marrow Ramen are a few of the ways Adams’ puts his creative stamp on comfort food we could eat daily, if given the chance. Share a dessert wine flight as you spoon wrestle over one of Marrow’s tempting desserts like the Meyer Lemon Budino. 1106 Prospect St. (E)

The Hero House is a tiny, but mighty comic book store on Prospect. Friendly and low key, this is a great place to browse wherever you fall on the fandom spectrum. 1112 Prospect St. (S)

Radio Radio is a great intimate venue to see music. The acoustics deliver quality sound. (You won’t feel the need to go home and immediately shower. No worries, this is a nice place.) 1119 Prospect St. (D)

Revolucion Have you logged enough Tiki time this summer? Revolucion’s big draw is the Tiki Bar out back. Go have a taco or two, and experiment with their house made sauces–Rojo Diablo, Sex Pistolero, and more. Revolucion is the perfect stop before a show at the owner’s music venue across the street, Radio Radio. 1132 Prospect St. (E)

Santorini Greek Kitchen Try the Saganaki because there’s just not enough flaming food and singing nowadays (and besides, it is delicious). The portions are the size your Greek uncle would serve you, if you had one. We have it on good authority that the Galaktabouriko has to be tasted to be believed. Just the words custard and phyllo are enough to convince us. Our last words of advice: order the lemony Greek potatoes with whatever you are having. 1417 Prospect St. (E)

Pioneer1110 Shelby St.

Thunderbird1127 Shelby St.

Fountain Square Brewing Sunday is $5 growler fill day. Don’t be intimidated by the line; it moves fast, and afterwards, you’ll have a growler full of one of your favorite Indy craft beers. Fountain Square Brewing now has an app to keep you up to date on events and new releases. Check it out online. 1301 Barth Ave. (E)

Flux Warehouse stocks mid-century, primitive, industrial, folk, and vintage furnishings, lighting and accessories. It’s always fun to pop in for open warehouse days or check out their booth at Midland Arts and Antiques Market. 862 Virginia Ave. alley entrance in the back of Mass Ave. Knit Shop(S)

Spice Box serves great Indian food on the fly. They’ve got Prosecco on tap to fuel those Bollywood dreams. 719 Virginia Ave.(E)

Holy Rosary/Fletcher Place

D=Do; S=Shop; E=Eat/Drink

Hotel Tango 702 Virginia Ave.

Bluebeard features local produce, dairy, and meats, cleverly concocted libations, and hearth baked bread by Amelia’s. We love the unique charcuterie and cheese selections–ask your server to describe them (don’t front like you know them already). The Brussels sprouts, the beet salad–it is all pretty spectacular. Don’t skip dessert here. You’ll thank us later. 653 Virginia Ave. (E)

Amelia’s 653 Virginia Ave.(E)

Calvin Fletcher Coffee Co.serves organic, fair trade coffee and Circle City Sweets in a large relaxing space right off the Cultural Trail. Not only is CFCC a great neighborhood hangout, they also donate their profits to service organizations around town–just one more reason to drop by and get your caffeine fix. 647 Virginia Ave. (E)

Fletcher Place Arts & Books642 Virginia Ave.(D)

Repeal Restaurant 630 Virginia Ave. (E)

Café Nonna629 Virginia Ave.

Milktooth We have nothing but love for Milktooth, the wildly popular breakfast/brunch spot in Fletcher Place, serving pastry and coffee from 7-9 a.m., then the full monty (ah, menu) until 3. This retooled garage has our number from the sublime spirits like their Electric Wizard ( local ginger beer, st. george absinthe, yuzu, rosemary) to the Sweet Potato Doughnuts withgreen peppercorn pastry cream, figs, whey caramel, and pecans and all the savory dishes in between. We suggest you order a Crunch Berry Cappuccino because, well, why wouldn’t you? 534 Virginia Ave. Closed Tuesdays(E)

Rook 501 Virginia Ave Suite 101

Tappers Arcade Bar 501 Virginia Ave.

The Handle Bar 310 S. Delaware St.(D)

Mezatoa140 S. College Ave.

Reclaimed Vintage Industrial Housed in an old brewery, Reclaimed Vintage Industrial will be your favorite salvage place, if it isn’t already. This is the perfect place to take your digs up a notch. 24-A Shelby St. (S)

Flat 12 Bierworks All you want in a craft brewery: great beer, good patio (dog friendly), growler fills, food trucks out front and (bonus!) you can order from Smoking Goose, just across the street. 414 Dorman St. (E)

Society of Salvage1021 E. Michigan St.(S)

General American Donut Company827 S. East St.(E)

Bosphorus Café935 S East St. (E)

Midland Arts and Antiques Market 907 E. Michigan St.(S)

Ash and Elm Cider Company 2503 N. Delaware St.(E)

Cole Noble

D=Do; S=Shop; E=Eat/Drink

Sun King Brewing Three house beers in cans or on draft, seasonal specialties like Popcorn Pilsner, props from the craft beer brewing community and legions of fans–Sun King is poised to take over the world…okay, the state. Go to a tasting, take a tour, buy a keg or a growler full–they’re good people. 135 N. College St. (E)

Vida 601 E New York St.

Ralph’s Great Divide 743 E New YorkSt.

Mass Ave. and Chatham Arch

The Eagle310 Massachusetts Ave.(E)

Ball & Biscuit Already one of the best spots for people watching along Mass Ave., Ball & Biscuit has outdone itself with a fab new patio. Now you can imbibe surrounded by their sexy leather and brick interior, or enjoy the night air along with your tasty nosh and cocktails. 331 Massachusetts Ave. (E)

Bakersfield We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again. Nobody does street tacos like Bakersfield. 334 Mass. Ave. (E)

Louie’s Wine Dive345 Massachusetts Ave.(E)

Mass Ave Toyshas long been an Indianapolis favorite. This brightly colored toy mecca carries all puzzles, games, gifts and moveable objects you might want to stimulate a wee one’s brain (and maybe a few who have outgrown their short pants). 409 Massachusetts Ave. (S)

Silver in the City Don’t walk this block without popping in Silver in the City. You’ll be happy you did. It is hard to leave empty-handed considering their great selection of handcrafted jewelry, handsome housewares, nifty gifts, and all around awesomeness. Silver in the City is consistently voted best gift shop (in case you hadn’t heard). 434 Massachusetts Ave. (S)

Outliers Brewing 534 E. North St.Chatham Arch (E)

Newfangled ConfectionsFrittle!613 E. North St.(S)

St. Joseph’s Brewery& Public House540 N. College Ave.(E)

Ruckus Makerspace 1125 East Brookeside Ave, Door G-10 (D)

Union 50620 N. East St. (E)

The Rathskeller

The Libertine Liquor Bar If you’re looking for a craft cocktail, Libertineis your jam. When they place the flight of specialty bacon in front of you, you’ll know the hipness quotient just broke the barometer. That’s alright, you’ll need the protein because it is doubtful you’ll be able to stop at one expertly concocted libation. 608 Massachusetts Ave.Chatham Arch (E)

Indy Fringe Basile Theatre provides performance and rehearsal space for a myriad of creative organizations to develop and promote their art. They also throw one heck of a theatre festival each year (in collaboration with five theatres) where you’ll see emerging work popping up all over Mass Ave Cultural District. 719 E. St. Clair St. (D)

The Indy Brew-Ha-Hais a raucous benefit for Phoenix Theatre, a small professional theatre which has been mounting thoughtful and engaging contemporary plays for thirty years. Support the arts, drink some brew=win/win. See the deets about this year’s event on their website. 749 N. Park Ave. (D)

Forty Five Degrees Sunday Funday wouldn’t be the same without Forty Five Degrees’ half-price sushi and $6 cocktails. 765 Massachusetts Ave. (E)

Boomerang BTQ carries new, vintage, and local items for the ladies ( and maybe a tee or two for the men). You’ll find an eclectic selection of housewares too. This is the kind of funky fashion shop where you never know what you’ll see. Look for the tres chic tire-dress mannequin outside. 845 Massachusetts Ave. (S)

Natural Born Juicers865 Massachusetts Ave.(E)

Homespun: Modern Handmadeis hands down (pardon the pun–handmade, hands down…get it?) one of our favorite places on Mass Ave. Comb through oodles of handmade goods from wood art to chocolate-covered bacon. Great screen printed tees, jewelry, hand printed cards and custom bound journals–carve out a little portion of your day to be amazed at what clever hands can do . 869 Massachusetts Ave. (S)

Trailside General Store is “Celebrating the art of thoughtful living & giving with paper goods, city plants, & life supplies.” We heart this little shop. They may be open limited hours, but totally worth working into your weekend schedule. Zen shopping for sure.871 Massachusetts Ave. (S)

Pattern This non-profit is part incubator for the local fashion scene and part retail shop. Featuring Indy street style by local designers and some national brands, Pattern Store carries apparel and accessories for both men and women. Pattern also publishes an award-winning fashion magazine and runs the maker space Pattern Workshop (which will soon open larger digs). 873 Massachusetts Ave. (S)

Indiana Pacers Bikeshare Pick up a bright yellow bike from any station off the CulturalTrail. Use it for 30 minutes, re-dock and pick up another for an additional 30 minutes. It’s only 8 bucks to ride all day. The only hitch is you need to plan your ride between docking stations in order not to exceed the 30 minute increment.

Best Chocolate in TownWe love the epic selection of truffles including Sun King Wee Mac and Espresso Cardamom, even the seasonal truffles like Sweet Potato Pie. But really, would we turn down any chocolate from Best Chocolate in Town? Highly unlikely. 880 Massachusetts Ave. (E)

Indy Reads Books This would be our favorite bookstore even if we didn’t know how darn altruistic they are. Indy Reads Books is an independently run, non-profit bookstore selling new and used books to benefit Indy Reads adult literacy program. Cool. 911 Massachusetts Ave. (S)

Black Market There are three things you need to know about Black Market: You must be 21 to enter (that’s just how they roll); there are communal tables (it’s o.k., you’ll be fine); and the food is phenomenal (as in, the chef’s been nominated three times for Food & Wine’sPeople’s Best New Chef award). It’s the last building on the left. We adore the moody lighting and wood tables, but sometimes we like to mix it up–so you might find us out in patio seating happy as clams. 922 Massachusetts Ave. (E)

Near Eastside/Cottage Home

D=Do; S=Shop; E=Eat/Drink

Rabble Coffee With exclusive blends by local roaster, Tinker Coffee Co., Rabble will win your coffee-loving heart. This homey coffee house is like the best neighbor you ever had, community-minded and kind, plus a really good cook. Their vegan doughnuts and heavenly quiche might convince you to become a fixture there. Drop by Rabble for Word Poetry Open Mic, Drawn (figure drawing tutorial accompanied by live music), or Rabble Runners for Saturday morning social runs. 2119 E. 10th St.(E)

Historic Steer-InRestaurant Diner fans take note. Indy’s beloved Steer-In is serving hearty portions of comfort food for a mere pittance. They’ve even got a drive thru for on the go gluttony. 5130 E. 10th St. (E)

Papa Roux Po-Boys and Cajun EatsWe won’t explain the ordering system, just follow the lead of your fellow diners. Be hungry… like really, really hungry…because that is a whole lot of food for ten bucks. Call us purists, but we prefer the crusty bread. It is a Po-Boy, after all. But you do you. Pour on the Vouxdoux sauce at your table, and take advantage of the free sides. You’ve got plenty to choose from. Papa Roux is an Indy cult favorite. 8950 E. 10th St. (E)

Lick Ice Cream For those unfortunate weeks when you can’t make it to the Broad Ripple Winter Market or the Indy Winter Farmers Market, take heart. You can still bop by Lick’s Tasting Room late in the week to enjoy their Apple Cider Pepita Brittle, Malted Chocolate Crisp, Gingersnap Lemon Curd, Cedar andWhiskey…do we need to go on? 1125 East Brookside Ave. in Circle City Industrial Complex(E)

Old Northside/Herron Morton Place

D=Do; S=Shop; E=Eat/Drink

Oso’s Republic901 N. Pennsylvania St.(E)

Tinker Street402 E 16th St. (E)

Foundry Provisions This sweet little coffee shop in the tomato red building will be your neighborhood favorite. I know we’re suckers for being bowled over by steel cut oatmeal. But there you have it. Custom roasted Julian coffee, pour overs, espressos, and actual real food for when you get peckish–Foundry Provisions is a haven. They serve local pastries, Circle City soups, and Nicey Treats along with breakfast fare and sandwiches. 236 E. 16th St. (E)

Tinker Coffee212 E 16th St. (S)

Thirsty Scholar111 E. 16th St. (E)

Queen Bee Vintage 111 E. 16th (S)

Go ahead, take a leisurely drive through the beautiful historic neighborhood of Old Northside. Better yet, mount your bike–the view is great. (D)

Harrison Center for the Arts hosts the IMAF, Independent Music and Art Festival in conjunction with the Indieana Handicraft Exchange on its lovely grounds yearly. 1505 N. Delaware St.(D)

The Goose MarketWe were prepared for your legions of followers to be wrong. But they were so, so right. The best sandwich we have eaten in our lives. Full stop. Or rather, don’t stop that magic you do. We know it is partly due to your other half–Smoking Goose–supplying the most outrageously tasty meat treats for you to stuff lovingly into a crusty batard…but shazam…the way you combine those flavor profiles is really shattering our world. Oh, that we lived down the block! 2503 N. Delaware St. (E)

The Koelschip This fledgling bar is quickly winning a loyal following in the neighborhood and beyond for their unique selection of beers, most notably those of their own Central State Brewing, a third wave brewer focusing on Brett brewing exclusively. Koelschip proudly serves Dark Matter Coffee and several well-chosen wines. They’ve got some dynamite collabs going with other hometown hero brewers, so check them out. 2505 N. Delaware St.(E)

Wholesale District/Downtown

Bee Coffee Roasters Downtown and wanting a good cup of Joe? Check out Bee Coffee Roasters for an artfully executed cup of coffee. Bear in mind, these are rooster hours: 6:30 am to 5:30 pm. (Your mother doesn’t think you should drink coffee after 5 anyway.) on the first floor of the Pan Am building 201 S. Capitol Ave. Suite 110 (E)

Spoke and Steele 123 S. Illinois St.

Platt 99 Mixology Lounge You kinda have to go in, if only to see the gorgeous glass lanterns and the overall George Jetson meets Morroccan West Elm vibe. They have great terrace seating as well. The perfect place to look cosmopolitan while drinking anything other than a Cosmopolitan (because that would just be wrong). 333 S. Delaware St. top floor of the Alexander (E)

Georgia St. Happy Hour Fridays We think that’s pretty self-explanatory, and ditto for Food Truck Fridays on Georgia St.

Gallery 924 at the Arts CouncilSee a wide variety of contemporary art in this gorgeous restored building downtown. 924 N. Pennsylvania (D)

Napolese serves artisan pizza. This is the kind of place that offers quail eggs to top your pizza, and we can respect that. Everything is uber fresh and local, down to Smoking Goose meats. Order your pie Rachel’sstyle–crowned with lightly dressed arugula. 30 S. Meridian St. (E)

Indiana Repertory Theatre is a nationally acclaimed professional theatre in the heart of downtown. With numerous educational and community programs including artists-in-the-classrooms, reader’s seminar on Shakespeare, student playwrighting competitions and more, IRT has plenty to offer after the curtain goes down. Check out their Happy Hour shows the first Tuesday of a run at 5:30. Sun King and New Day Craft will be in the parking lot. Buy tickets now and support the arts. 140 W. Washington St. (D)

When you’re downtown, but sure to pop in Long Sharp Gallery at the Conrad. This is a rare opportunity to view works by Banksy, Basquiat, Dali, Warhol, Lichtenstein, Picasso and more. 50 W. Washington St. (D)

Did you know you can scale the 330 steps inside the Soldiers and Sailors Monumentto the observation level? I know, we get so distracted by the mesmerizing blue water, beautiful limestone carvings, and people watching–we forget too.1 Monument Circle

Hilbert Circle Theatre is the home of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. If you have a chance to see a show in this beautifully restored historic theatre, don’t hesitate. 45 Monument Circle (D)

Indianapolis City Market Every Wednesday 9:30-1:30 May through October and every Saturday 9:30-12:30 in the summer months shop the outdoor farmer’s market rain or shine. Then head in to catch some lunch or do a little shopping for artisan products and authentic international flavors. A few vendors that are Indy favorites: Circle City Soups and Circle City Sweets; Three Days in Paris, Natural Born Juicers, and Fermenti Artisan. 222 E. Market St. (E)

Irvington

D=Do; S=Shop; E=Eat/Drink

Chef Dan’s Southern Comfort5539 Washington St. (E)

5547 Project5547 Bonna Ave.(D)

Jockamo Upper Crust Peppadews stuffed with goat cheese is all you had to say. Yeah, their pizza is pretty popular too. We hope you are the decisive sort because Jockamo offers quite a selection of crowd pleasing pies. 5646 E. Washington St. (E)

Black Acre Brewing Co. How can you resist a rye ale called Saucy Intruder? Or Killer Robots? Or a friendly Berliner Weisse called Ol’ Fritz? Throw some fried plantains in the mix, and we’re in love. Wednesday night is trivia, folks. Good times. 5632 E. Washington St. (E)

Before e-cards, there were these paper things….Black Sheep Gifts—for when you want to give something tangible. 5626 E. Washington St. (S)

October 17–25th, Irvington goes a little Halloween mad. A “5 mile run, a scholarship pageant, musicians, contests, Halloween-themed movies, storytelling,ghost tours, live theater, bike rides, roller derby, a haunted puppet show and dozens of other events” will lead up to the crazy street fair, known as The Historic Irvington Halloween Festival. Get your costume ready people; there is a parade. Saturday Oct. 25th, Downtown Irvington (D)

Irvington Farmers Markets are on Sundays from noon until 3pm: July 13th, August 10th, September 14th and October 12th. In Ellenberger Park, 5301 E. Saint Clair St. (S)

Indiana Ave.

Stop in the Kurt Vonnegut Memorial Library and sit in front of Kurt’s iconic typewriter. The little giftshop carries everything written by Vonnegut and a few novelty items like tees to impress your friends with your literary panache. 340 N. SenateAve.

Madame Walker Theatre Center Catch some jazz or a play at this restored vaudeville theatre named after “America’s first self-made female millionaire.” 617 Indiana Ave. Suite 400 (D)

Canal and White River State Park

D=Do; S=Shop; E=Eat/Drink

The Lawn at White River State Park was named one of the best outdoor entertainment venues anywhere. They book big name shows every year as part of the Harrison College Summer Concert Series. If you’re in town this summer, you’ll want to score some tickets when you see the lineup. See the current schedule here. 801 W. Washington St. (D)

The Canal Walk You’ll find all kinds of walkers, strollers and runners taking to the wide sidewalks stretching around the canal. Near dusk, couples recline on the grassy lawn near the U.S.S. Indianapolis Memorial. You can rent a surrey. Yes, we said surrey (sorry, no fringe on top, Oklahoma fans) or a paddleboat. If you hit it right, you might even see a gondola or two.

SoBro/Meridian Kessler

D=Do; S=Shop; E=Eat/Drink

Crispy Chicken115 E. 49th St. (E)

Open Society4850 N College Ave. (E)

While everyone is sad to seeRecess go, we look forward to enjoying Sean Brown’sUkiyo.4907 N. College Ave. (E)

City Moto4911 N. College Ave.(S)

The Sinking Ship4923 N. College Ave. (E)

Red Key Tavern5170 N. College Ave. (E)

Luna Music Fans of vinyl, Luna Music needs to be first on your list. This independent music store has become an Indianapolis institution; they’ve been “scouring the universe for great sound since 1994.” Luna’s knowledgeable and friendly staff will make you feel at home. They also book great in-store events. 5202 N.College Ave. (S)

La Mulita5215 N College Ave.

DeliciaOh,Delicia! Your braised duck Sopas De Pato makes us drool. We can’t be delicate when eating your barbacoa beef empanadas. We confess, the refreshing Caipirinha is a perfect foil to the spicier Latin American dishes. In short, we can’t stop thinking of you, Delicia. 5215 N. College Ave.(E)

Fat Dan’s Deli5410 N. College Ave.(E)

Twenty Tap5406-08 N.College Ave.(E)

Bent Rail Brewery5301 Winthrop Ave.(E)

Vintage 54 Collective5335 Winthrop Ave.(S)

The Speak Easy entertainment venue and home of the Storefront Theatre 5255 Winthrop Ave.(D)

Storefront Theatre of Indianapolis is a burgeoning theatre troupe whose aim is to produce works from underrepresented playwrights “in the style of Chicago storefront theaters: with small and intimate settings; raw, and underscored by emotional truth.” Learn more about their current season here.

Printtext652 E. 52nd St.(S)

Good Morning Mama’s 1001 E. 54th St.(E)

Mama Carolla’s1031 E. 54th St. (E)

Locally Grown GardensThis place is just our speed. Pick up some local produce and a few sundries from their beautifully stocked shelves. Order lunch, grab a table outside. Get the pie! 1050 E. 54th St. (E)

Agrarian Urban Homestead & Supply 1051 E. 54th St. (S)

Junkyard Goddess Eco Boutique1051 E. 54th St. Suite A(S)

The Gallery Pastry Shop1101 E. 54th St.(E)

Nicole-Taylor’s Pasta and Market1134 E. 54th St.(E)

Walter Knabe Studios & Gift Shop1134 E. 54th St. Suite H(S)

The Dancing Donut 1134 E. 54th St. (E)

Diavola1134 E. 54th St.(E)

Yats Cajun Creole Straight up, if you visit Indianapolis, somebody, somewhere, is going to ask you if you went to Yats. Don’t fight it. Go hungry. This is stick to your ribs food. 5363 N. College Ave. (E)

SoBro Vintage Market Antiques & Curiosities 2417 E. 56th St.(S)

HausLove (formerly Uber Boutique) Heidi Woodman’s great design shop is one of our favorite stops in Indianapolis. Full of gorgeous home decor, furniture, accessories, and apparel, HausLove will bring the spark back. 5901 N. College Ave. (S)

B Spot2727 E. 86th St.(E)

LuLu’s Coffee + Bakehouse2292 W. 86th St.(E)

Oakley’s Bistro You had us at Lobster Waffle. If you show up on Tuesday evening, there’s a free wine tasting from 5 to 6pm.1464 W. 86th St. (E)

Broad Ripple

The Cake Bake Shop6515 Carrollton Ave.

Hubbard & Cravens serves whole bean arabica coffees and artisan teas in multiple locations across town. They travel the world to source the finest beans available and cultivate direct relationships with the growers. 6229 Carrollton Ave. (E)

Vibes Music1130 Castle Row

Biscuits Café 1035 Broad Ripple Ave.

Sushi Bar We know the grocery store sushi is easier, but wouldn’t it be nice to sit down with friends and sake as you slake you sushi craving? 911 Broad Ripple Ave. (E)

Artifacts This American craft gallery and shop carries a little of everything: jewelry, ceramics, glass and wood pieces, as well as gifts and novelties. We particularly love their metal jewelry. 6327 N. Guilford Ave. (S)

Petite Chou by Patachou was named one of the Best French Restaurants in the U.S. by Travel andLeisure. Their dinner is wonderful; but if you haven’t ever tried brunch at Petite Chou, you’re just not living right. Work it into your agenda. 823 E. Westfield Blvd. (E)

Clara K. & Cartabella 825 E. Westfield Blvd.(S)

Nicey Frozen Treats With more adventurous flavors like Blackberry Lemongrass, Avocado, StrawberryMint, and Pineapple Basil and standards like Not so Hot Chocolate and Pink Lemonade, who’s gonna say no to a Nicey pop? That’s right. NOBODY. 916 E.Westfield Blvd.(E)

Broad Ripple Vintage is truly a dynamite vintage store. You’ll feel like you’ve gotten lost in someone’s closet. Someone who knew a slew of famous people, and who has a really bitchin’ wardrobe, and was perhaps a majorette in college, or a cowboy, or both. 824 E. 64th St.(S)

Brics is conveniently located right off the Monon Trail. They have over 30 flavors of delicious ice cream, a water bottle filling station, and free wi-fi. Yowza. 901 E. 64th St.(E)

8 Fifteen815 E. 65th St.(S)

Moveable FEAST 5143 E. 65th St.

Ezra’s Enlightened Café 6516 Ferguson St.

The Monon Trail starts at 10th St. and goes all the way to Carmel. The Monon is unquestionably one of the best things about Indianapolis. A scenic trail that winds through town, you’ll find plenty of pit stops along the way to interest you. See a maphere.

Rusted Moon Outfitters These folks are like the Martha Stewart of the great outdoors. They can tell you everything you need to know about living the good life, just without the roof (and less pruning). They even post sport and travel checklists, equipment care guidelines, and our favorite, the seasonal reflection– “year of experiences”. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned adventurer, Rusted Moon can suit you up with all you need to have more fun out in the open. 6410 Cornell Ave. (S)

Broad Ripple Art Fair This is a “don’t miss” event. One of the top art shows in the nation and the biggest in Indiana. It comes every May to the wild, wooly neighborhood of Broad Ripple, so make plans for next year. Learn more details here. (D)

Indianapolis Museum of Art View the collections including works by Hopper and Calder, mosey through the gardens, and pop in the gift store. 4000 Michigan Rd. (D)

The Penrod Arts Fair, coined Indiana’s Nicest Day, happens every September at the IMA. With over 300 artists, live music and entertainment for the kiddies, this is a must for your fall calendar. Saturday, Sept. 6th

Adjacent to the museum you’ll find IMA’s Virginia B. Fairbanks 100 Acre Art andNature Park. It is “one of the largest museum art parks in the country” and the perfect place to explore, stroll, or run. This is absolutely one of our favorite things to do in the city. (D)

IMA Summer Nights Film Series Take a picnic down to the amphitheater and enjoy a flick under the stars. See this summer’s schedule here. (D)

Westside

D=Do; S=Shop; E=Eat/Drink

The Tamale PlaceGo for a pork tamale or a taco. Be sure to try some of their salsa with just a hint of smoke. 5226 Rockville Rd. (E)

North

Tulip Noir Cafe1224 W. 86th St.

The North End BBQ and Moonshine 1250 E. 86th St.

Pillow Talk Boutique 3933 E. 82ndSt. 11-6

Zionsville

Tulip Tree Creamery in Pike is worth the drive 6330 Corporate Dr.

My Sugar Pie It has been reported that Oprah pities those who have yet to taste My Sugar Pie’s rhubarb pie. Country Living magazine touted the sugar cream pie as one of the best in the country. In a nutshell, you need to get there. Pie! 40 E. Pine St. (E)

B&B We love that Julie Browning Bova has a storefront for her thriving design business. That means we can pop in to pick up one of her ultra cool belt buckles and take a peek at some of her equestrian inspired furniture pieces for Stanford. She also carries a line of nifty iPhone cases, and fine paper goods. 70 S. Main St. (S)

Deviate Brewing

Books and Brews65 Boone Village(S)

Salty Cowboy Tequileria 55 East Oak St. (E)

Lesley Jane This eclectic women’s boutique on Main might give you more reasons to go out. 150 S. Main St. (S)

Traders Point Creamery When you’re looking to get away from it all, the bucolic scenery of TradersPoint Creamery will provide just the needed balm for your spirit. A working farm, you’re likely to see the cows being herded or grazing peacefully in the outlying meadows. Drop in the farm store to pick up some Fromage Blanc or Boone County Bloomy (their soft ash rind cheese). Upstairs is the delightful Dairy Bar andThe Loft Restaurant. They’d be happy to whip up a milkshake or banana split; or sit down for an excellent meal at TheLoft Restaurant. Join them for Dinner on the Deck and Green Markets on Friday nights this summer. 9101 Moore Rd. (E)